Introduction For The Best LiPo Battery For The ARRMA Senton
The ARRMA Senton is a 1/10 scale short course truck that is capable of reaching speeds of 50+ miles per hour. But, what is the best LiPo battery for the ARRMA Senton, and which LiPo battery should you get to produce the most power? To answer this question, you need to look at the truck’s ESC capabilities and which motor is onboard the stock Senton. In this post, I will share my experience with the ARRMA Senton 3S BLX, dive into the electronics installed on the chassis, and look at the best LiPo batteries that will produce insane power and provide plenty of run time. Let’s dive in!
What Motor and ESC Comes With The ARRMA Senton?
ARRMA RC vehicles use Spektrum electronics and the Senton comes with a Spektrum Frima BLX100 ESC and a Spektrum Firma 3660 Brushless Motor. The BLX100 ESC can run on a 2S or 3S LiPo pack. If you aren’t familiar with 2S and 3S Lipo packs, the number in front of the “S” will tell you how many cells are in the battery pack.
More cells mean more power!
A 2S LiPo will produce 7.4 volts and a 3S LiPo will make 11.1 volts. If you want to reach max speeds with your Senton 4×4, you have to power the brushless motor with a 3S LiPo. Even though the ESC can handle a 2S LiPo, all of the max speed ratings for this truck come from running a 3S pack.
What Battery Connector Does The ARRMA Senton Have?
Since ARRMA uses Spektrum ESCs, the Senton will come with an IC5 connector. IC5 connectors are very popular because they will connect up to female EC5 connectors. So, the Spektrum IC5 connector is compatible with an EC5 connector.
I install IC3 connectors on all of my RC trucks because they can handle high current loads. I only use IC5 connectors and install them on all my battery packs and ESCs. This way, I can use any battery pack with any RC I own (as long as the vehicle is rated for the battery, of course.)
Again, if you have battery packs that have EC5 connectors on them, you don’t need to solder on an IC5 connector. The EC5 will work with the IC5 lead that is on the ESC.
Should You Run A 3S or 2S LiPo In The ARRMA Senton?
The Spektrum BLX100 ESC installed on new Senton trucks is rated for both 3S and 2S LiPo packs. So, it is up to you how many volts you want to run in your truck. If the Senton is your first RC truck, you may want to start off with a 2S pack while you are learning how to drive the truck. Once you have several hours under your belt and you may want to upgrade the LiPo on your ARRMA Senton to a 3S pack.
From my experience, you can’t compare a 2S pack to a 3S pack. The 3S pack is crazy fast on the Arrma Senton. The first time you run the Senton on 3S, your eyes will open up wide, and your jaw will drop. Yes, running 3S makes a big difference and produces way more power.
So if you want max acceleration and speed, run a 3S pack. If you are new to driving, a 2S pack will be perfect for getting the feel of the throttle and controls.
The Best 3S LiPo Batteries for The ARRMA Senton
Here are our top picks for the best LiPo for the ARRMA Senton. Spektrum LiPos are recommended since all the electronics on the Senton are also Spektrum. We also have some other LiPos below that will work with the Senton.
1. Spektrum Smart 3S 5000mAh 50C Hard Case: IC5 (SPMX53S50H5)
This pack by Spektrum is a top of the line LiPo. It has a high “C” rating, is 3S, and has Spektrum smart technology on board. The battery will last a long time because it will automatically discharge to a safe voltage if you don’t use it within 72 hours of its last full charge. The hard case will protect the battery cells and help prevent the pack from ripping open if you have a hard crash.
2. Spektrum Smart 3S 5000mAh 30C Hard Case: IC5 (SPMX50003S30H5)
From my own tests on this product, this 30C pack by Spektrum is your next best battery for the Senton. The main difference with this pack is the “C” rating. It has a slightly lower “C” rating and won’t have quite as much punch and acceleration compared to the 50C. It also has and has Spektrum smart technology on board and a hard case pack. You will not be disappointed in this LiPo.
3. Zeee 11.1V 80C 3S 6000mAh (2 Pack)
Our budget pick is the Zeee 3S 6000mAh 2-pack. Zeee LiPo packs are very popular and I have read many great reviews on Facebook and other RC forums. The Zeee packs come with an EC5 that is compatible with your Senton. This pack also has a larger capacity than the Spektrum packs above. The 80C rating will give this pack plenty of punch and should send your Senton flying.
Learn about upgrading the shock on your ARRMA Senton BLX
The Best 2S LiPo Batteries for The ARRMA Senton
If you want to save some money, you can buy a 2S pack instead of a 3S. Remember, 2S packs are lower in voltage and won’t produce as much power. But, they are ok to run in the Senton and will work just fine.
4. Spektrum 2S 5000mAh 50C Smart Hardcase LiPo Battery (SPMX50002S50H5)
This Spektrum pack has an IC5 connector and will work with the Senton. It has a 5000mAh capacity and should run for about 20 to 30 minutes. This is a great pack for beginners because it has Spektrum Smart discharge technology that will protect the battery if you don’t use it very often. You don’t want to keep your packs fully charged and sitting on the shelf. LiPo packs like to be charged and discharged regularly. So the Smart discharge feature keeps the pack at a safe storage level if you forget to discharge it yourself.
5. Zeee 2S 5200mAh 80C Hard Case Battery with EC5 (2 Pack)
If I was a beginner and looking for a couple of LiPo packs, I would pick up this Zeee 2-pack. You can’t beat the price. You get a total of 10,400 mAh between the two packs. That should easily run your Senton for a solid hour before needing to charge up the LiPos again. These packs are 7.4V 2S LiPos. So, they won’t be as punchy as a 3S, but the trade-off here is the price tag. You get a lot of drive time for the price!
Arrma Senton BLX 4×4
- Spektrum transmitter and receiver
- Adjustable ride height
- Impact resistance composite frame
- ARRMA BLX100 waterproof ESC
- Spektrum SLT3 2.4GHz 3-Channel Radio
- Triple-pad slipper clutch
- Batteries not included
- Battery charger not included
- A bit heavy at 6 pounds
FAQs For The Best LiPo Battery For The ARRMA Senton
What is the best LiPo battery for the ARRMA Senton?
I recommend running a 3S Spektrum 11.1V 5000mAh 50C LiPo in the Senton. This pack will give you lots of power and 20 to 30 minutes of runtime. If you want a cheaper option, the 2S Spektrum 7.4V 5000mAh 30C pack will work with the Senton. Make sure the 2S pack has an EC5 connector. The EC3 connector is too small and will not fit.
Can The ARRMA Senton Run 4S LiPo Batteries?
No, the Spektrum BLX100 is rated for 2S or 3S LiPo packs. A 4S LiPo pack will not work in your Senton and will damage the truck’s electronics.
What type of battery connector does the ARRMA Senton have?
The ARRMA Senton comes with an IC5 connector, and this connector type is compatible with female EC5 connectors.
Can the ARRMA Senton Use IC3 Connectors?
No, the amp draw on the Senton is too high for an EC3 connector. Also, if you have an IC5 connector on your ESC, a LiPo with an IC3/EC3 connector will not work because this connector type is too small to fit into the larger IC5.
Final Thoughts On The Best LiPo Battery For The ARRMA Senton
Choosing the best LiPo battery for your ARRMA Senton comes down to your driving experience, how much you want to spend, and the type of driving you plan on doing. The stock Spektrum Frima BLX100 ESC and Firma 3660 brushless motor can handle both 2S and 3S LiPo packs, but if you want max speed and power from your truck, a 3S pack is required.
Remember, the Senton comes with an IC5 connector, but you can also use an EC5 connector if the battery pack you buy has one installed. The LiPo pack you pick should be one that fits your experience level and driving style.
Finally, the more volts you run, the faster the truck will go. That does not mean you should get a 4S pack. The Senton is rated for a max voltage of 11.1V, and if you plug a 4S pack into your ESC, you will fry your electronics. So, stick with either a 2S or 3S pack and take your Senton out for a bash session. Happy driving!
